Updated May 31, 2023
In 1908, Robert Baden-Powell’s book “Scouting for Boys” triggered the Scouting movement, and in 1910 Agnes Baden-Powell formed the girls-only Guiding organization. Since then, both Scouts and Guides have spread across the globe. Although the primary goal of the programs has stayed the same, there are some changes depending on which country you are in.
Did you know that the names of the branches of Scouting and Guiding are different in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States of America? Even the way branch levels are determined is different. In the UK and Canada, programs are divided into age groups, wherein the USA, their groups are formed by education levels. Check out the quick chart below to see the differences between each of the three countries.
Scouts
UK: Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10), Scouts (10-14), Explorers (14-18), and Network (18-25)
Canada: Beaver Scouts (5-7), Cub Scouts (8-10), Scouts (11-14), Venture Scouts (15-17), and Rover Scouts (18-26)
USA: Cub Scouts (K-5), Scouts (6-11), Venturing (8-up), and Sea Scouting (8-up)
Guides
UK: Rainbows (5-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14), and Seniors (14-26)
Canada: Sparks (5-6), Embers (Brownies) (7-8), Guides (9-12), Pathfinders (12-14), and Rangers (15-17)
USA: Daisies (K-1), Brownies (2-3), Juniors (4-5), Cadettes (6-8), Seniors (9-10), Ambassadors (11-12)
Recognize your travels through the different branches of the Scouting & Guiding organization with these Flame badges. We have the Flames of Guiding UK set, Flames of Scouting Canada set, Flames of Scouting USA set, and Flames of Guiding UK 1 Piece crest. Unfortunately, we can not make a Flames of Guiding Canada set due to trademark rules. Add yours to your camp blanket or sash today.
Want to contribute? We encourage Girl Guide/Scout leaders and parents to reach out to us with your picture, idea, game, craft, article, experience, meeting, or camp plan, and you may see your vision here. If we post your submission on our website, you’ll receive a 15% off promo code for your next in-stock order. Please include a short bio and photo with your submission or indicate if you wish to remain anonymous. Share your experience with us today.
As a third-generation Scouter, Pauline is a writer passionate about giving back to the Guiding and Scouting programs. She grew up making beaver buggies with the boys, selling popcorn as a Cub and practicing outdoor skills with the Scouts. Instead of moving on to Ventures, she became an assistant leader for Cubs, also known as a Kim. Pauline is proud to pass on her Scouting knowledge to an international audience.
